It’s getting hot out there so keep your pets safe

Andrea Roberts
Times Contributor

 

Summer is here, and with Alberta temperatures rising to the 30s, pet owners are reminded to keep their animals safe from the heat.
Animal welfare organizations such as the Animal Care Centre in Strathmore and the Calgary Humane Society are among the various institutions trying to keep pets safe in the summer.
The groups are busy spreading their safety message including the information that even a small increase in temperature, about two to three degrees, can cause serious harm to an animal whether they are outside or left in a car.
“Don’t take your dogs in the vehicle,” said Reesa Bruce, veterinary practice manager at the Animal Care Centre. “If you have to, then someone should at least stay in the vehicle with the dog so they can monitor the temperature.”
The Animal Care Centre of Strathmore also added that the temperature in a car can rise above 40 degrees within five minutes even with the windows down.
This rapid temperature surge can cause a rise in the animal’s body heat, and can increase the risk of heatstroke, organ failure or even death. As dogs can only sweat through their paws and noses, a small area to lose heat through, this means the animal can overheat very quickly.
The Calgary Humane Society also warns that by not taking safety concerns into consideration, consequences may follow.
“People don’t realize if your dog is suffering in there, then yeah your window potentially will be broken, you could lose your pet and you could be charged under the Animal Protection Act and the Criminal Code,” said Sage Pullen McIntosh, senior manager of communications for the Calgary Humane Society. “If you know you are going somewhere and you know you need to stop along the way, leave your pet, just don’t bring them. Get your errands done first, because it will only take a few minutes to see really tragic consequences.”
However, what some owners may not know is that pet safety extends beyond the car and they must be careful about taking their animals outside. Pets must be provided with plenty of water and adequate shade while they are outside in the heat. There are many fun ways to keep pets cool, whether it be taking them swimming in a lake or freezing popsicles with treats in them.
Bruce, who is also a pet-owner, said she has to monitor her dark-furred dog and bring her into the cool shade when outside in the sun.
“She doesn’t know what is good for her and she will stay out there all day in the hot sun,” Bruce said.
Dog owners must also ensure that the sidewalk is not to hot to walk their pets, as the overheated concrete can leave the dog’s paws seriously burnt. According to the society you can test the ground to see if it is too hot for the animal by placing your hand on the ground. If it feels too hot, then it is too hot for the pet’s paws.
“If it is hot for you, imagine how hot it is for your furry friend,” remarked McIntosh.
The Animal Care Centre has not seen increased cases since the temperature has risen. Bruce also said the cases in Strathmore so far have been minimal.